Philips Lighting earns 2011 Leader of Change Award

Global lighting leader recognized for its innovative lighting solutions that demonstrate sustainable, environmental, economic and social value

New York, N.Y. – For its longstanding commitment to sustainability through the development of innovative lighting, including light-emitting diode (LED) technologies, Philips Lighting has been selected as a 2011 Leader of Change Award winner by the Foundation for Social Change and the United Nations Office for Partnerships.



Philips will receive the award today during the Global Conference for Social Change: Turning Social Responsibility into Business Opportunity at the UN Plaza. Philips is one of 11 organizations and individuals to be so honored.



“Philips has long been at the forefront of innovation to boost sustainability, and today we continue to be pioneers in light,” said Zia Eftekhar, CEO, Philips Lighting North America. “We are grateful to receive this prestigious Leader of Change Award. It recognizes our commitment to providing lighting solutions that enhance the health and well-being of humans everywhere while ensuring environmental and economic efficiency.”



Harry Verhaar, Senior Director, Energy & Climate Change, Philips Lighting, and Mr. Eftekhar will accept the award on behalf of Philips Lighting.



The Leader of Change Award recognizes visionary companies and individuals that have demonstrated an exemplary commitment to the pursuit of sustainability, demonstrating that “doing good is good for business”. The winners have embedded sustainability, environmental concern and social performance as part of their competitive business strategy.



Philips Lighting is a worldwide leader in developing LED and other lighting technology solutions that aid in the global transition to a sustainable society, while delivering economic, ecological and social benefits. In 2011, Philips won the U.S. Department of Energy’s L Prize competition, which challenged the lighting industry to develop high-performance, energy-saving replacements for conventional light bulbs that save money for consumers and businesses.


About the Foundation for Social Change

The Foundation works with corporations and NGOs around the world to create programs that define how doing good is good for business. The foundation aims to prove that there is a bottom-line financial impact to solving problems; for example through their eLife – Economic Opportunity for Women & Girls, which is an education program teaching life and business skills.

About the United Nations Office for Partnerships

The United Nations Office for Partnerships serves as a gateway for collaboration between the private sector and foundations, and the United Nations family. It promotes new partnerships and alliances in furtherance of the Millennium Development Goals and provides support to new initiatives of the Secretary-General.

About Royal Philips Electronics

Royal Philips Electronics of the Netherlands (NYSE: PHG, AEX: PHI) is a diversified health and well-being company, focused on improving people’s lives through timely innovations. As a world leader in healthcare, lifestyle and lighting, Philips integrates technologies and design into people-centric solutions, based on fundamental customer insights and the brand promise of “sense and simplicity.” Headquartered in the Netherlands, Philips employs over 120,000 employees with sales and services in more than 100 countries worldwide. With sales of EUR 22.3 billion in 2010, the company is a market leader in cardiac care, acute care and home healthcare, energy efficient lighting solutions and new lighting applications, as well as lifestyle products for personal well-being and pleasure with strong leadership positions in male shaving and grooming, portable entertainment and oral healthcare. News from Philips is located at www.philips.com/newscenter.